by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsOctober 7, 2020

Wendy Holden has been a writer of light women’s fiction for many years. With The Royal Governess she most successfully ventures into historical fiction.

Marion Crawford is the woman who became “the royal governess.” It was not her aim in life as she started out wanting to be a reformer who taught children living in the slums. Crawfie, as she became known, changed direction when she realized that she could potentially introduce Princess Elizabeth to the “real” world, hopefully making her better able to understand “normal” people and normal life.

This novel offers an excellent history of the royal family; it is all here. There are young Elizabeth and Margaret, the future King and Queen, David and Mrs. Simpson, Prince Philip, Peter Townsend and many others. There are all of the events including WWII, the abdication, Elizabeth’s marriage and more. All are told through the lens of Marion Crawford’s experiences.

Readers also learn what Marion gave up for her job. They will also see how she was treated by those she served.

Readers of historical fiction and those who enjoy books about the Royal Family are sure to enjoy this novel. Kudos to Ms. Holden on her new direction.

nyti.ms/3rvbmyf

Pub Date 10 Aug 2021

I always enjoy this free resource. Cozy Case Files 13 includes descriptions of forthcoming mysteries along with generous excerpts. The authors featured in this one include Donna Andrews; Diane Kelly; Elizabeth Penney; Ellie Alexander; Jane K. Cleland; Jess Dylan; and M. C. Beaton. The Jane K Cleland is in my TBR pile of ARCs and looks intriguing with possible Jane Austen letters having been found. Another author, Elizabeth Penney is new to me and I would like to read her novel that has a book related theme along with a trip to Cambridge, England. Other entries also look interesting. Spend time with this volume and plan your upcoming reads. Those who like their mysteries without excessive violence will get some good ideas here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher . All opinions are my own.

Sometimes a couple of books are published close together that have similar plots. That is the case of the novels Falling by T. J. Newman and Hostage by Clare Mackintosh. Each has a story line in which a threat is made to someone who works for an airline. These threats in both cases are to cause harm to family members of the employee unless certain demands are met. In each case, there are moral decisions to be made. Further, in each of these novels, there is a lot of action and that action includes some violence. Within that framework, I found the beginning of Falling to be rather grim, more so than the opening of Hostage.

In Falling, a pilot, Bill, is putting over 100 passengers at risk. Who will he enlist to possibly help thwart a total catastrophe? What decisions will he make? Can it possibly end well (or less badly)? To find out, read this novel that many have hailed as a best book of the summer while, other reviews, have been just one star.

If you feel brave about flying, learn more about this title and decide if it is for you. The author has worked for an airline and has some inside knowledge.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

75 Classic Cookie Recipes for Every Occasion

by Danielle Rye

#LiveWellBakeCookies #NetGalley

Pub Date 24 Aug 2021  

Caution! This book will make you hungry. There are 75 cookie recipes and I want to try all of them. Included are recipes for everything from Chocolate Chip to Oatmeal Raisin to Peanut Butter to Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Snickerdoodles, Shortbread, Chocolate Chunk, Thumbprints and Small Batch Cookies…and that is just the recipes listed in the first column of the table of contents.

Before bakers get to the recipes, there are several helpful sections at the beginning of the book. These cover such topics as Tools and Equipment, Troubleshooting and more.

I was not familiar with the author before looking at this title, She is a blogger and expert baker from what I can see.

This looks like just the book for a baker you know, even yourself!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

A seek-and-find adventure in The Met

by Will Mabbitt

Pub Date 24 Aug 2021

This title would be a great one for a child and adult to spend time with together, although some children might also enjoy this book on their own. The author and illustrator know their Met, the world famous museum located in Manhattan. The text is informative and the illustrations are intricately detailed.

Children will become familiar with the many treasures of the iconic museum as they visit the galleries with Stevie, the young girl who has gotten lost. There are many search and find activities within these pages, along with some questions to think about.

The end of the book includes additional information about some of the art works that are in the Met.

This title provides an excellent resource for (budding) art lovers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJune 13, 2020

For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there.  My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano.  Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.

So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC.  I was not disappointed.  This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.

The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico.  He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita.  Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel.  Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day.  I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.

Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele.  The murder of the story has ties with the past.  The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California.  Why did he return to Italy?  How does this visit lead to his death?  Who will be hurt as the case is solved?

This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed.  I recommend adding it to your TBR list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review.  I look forward to the next novel in this seris.

Eve’s Ducklings

by Maria Monte

#EvesDucklings #NetGalley

All little Eve wants is to touch the ducklings that she sees when she goes on walks with her grandfather. Sadly for her, they are not interested and Eve is discouraged. Will she find a way to get a bit of what she wants? This sweetly illustrated title will provide the answer.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.